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Polymarket blocked in Ukraine after illegal gambling risks
The National Commission for the Regulation of Electronic Communications (NCEC) of Ukraine has ordered to restrict access to Polymarket, as it provides gambling services without a Ukrainian license.
The decision was adopted under Resolution No. 695, which applies to platforms that enable betting or betting-like activity outside of Ukraine’s regulated framework.
Based on the order, electronic communications providers must block access to the platform for players located in Ukraine. Additionally, as part of the enforcement, the Polymarket.com domain has been added to the country’s registry of blocked internet resources.
Although Polymarket doesn’t accept fiat currency nor does it operate as a traditional sportsbook, the regulator’s decision is based on the fact that the platform is classified as unlicensed gambling.
Previously, local media had revealed that trading volume connected to the war in Ukraine exceeded $100 million, which caused regulatory backlash regarding ethical, legal, and national security issues.
Ukraine is not the only jurisdiction that has taken action against Polymarket, as different European countries have raised concerns that prediction contracts on elections or armed conflicts violate gambling rules.
In 2022, Polymarket was also ordered by the CFTC to restrict access to U.S. players; however, the platform then secured approval to relaunch and is in the process of fully offering its product to the U.S. market in 2026.
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